|
|
 |
 |
Atlantic City Convention Center Solar Panels Show First-Year Success
(Atlantic City, NJ, January 22, 2010)
“We had projected production of 26 percent of our electricity, based on an average year,” said Jeff Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA), which owns and operates the Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall. “For the array to produce 28 percent when we had such a high number of cloudy and rainy days is outstanding.” Last year was the third overall wettest year on record for Atlantic City, with 61.22 inches of rainfall, or 51.86 percent above the average rainfall of 40.3 inches.
This is the largest single-roof solar array in the country. The renewable energy it produced in 2009 is the equivalent of avoiding the use of 5,221 barrels of oil (the original projection was 4,956 barrels). It translates to enough energy to provide electricity to 292 homes (originally estimated at 282 homes).
“Coupled with our other energy-saving measures, this is a significant contribution to saving resources and containing costs,” Vasser added. The ACCVA estimates a cost-saving of nearly $4.4 million in electricity costs over a 20-year contract with Pepco Energy Services.
Additional energy-saving measures at the Atlantic City Convention Center have included addition of large fans in the four-story atrium to assist in circulating heat and air conditioning more efficiently and retrofit of lighting fixtures. The ACCVA is also planning to construct a single wind turbine at the Convention Center to further reduce electric consumption. These efforts, as well as an expansive recycling program and use of green products, have earned the ACCVA charter membership in the Convene Green Alliance, an industry group that provides guidance on how to lessen the environmental impact of conventions and trade shows.
For information on The ACCVA’s green initiatives, visit http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/meeting_planners/green_initiative.aspx. For information about the Convene Green Alliance, visit www.convenegreen.com.
Contact: For the ACCVA:
Elaine Zamansky, 609-449-7166
Michael Bruckler, 609-449-7125
Karen Martin, 609-449-7126
For Lou Hammond & Associates:
Emily Santos or Korin Lamourt
212-308-8880
The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority serves as the destination's principal marketing arm, stimulating economic growth through convention, business and leisure tourism development. The Authority oversees the management of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall. The Authority is the first destination marketing organization in New Jersey to achieve prestigious Destination Marketing Accreditation by the Destination Marketing Association International. For complete Atlantic City information, visit www.atlanticcitynj.com. Also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AtlanticCityNJ⨪
:: top of page ::
|
 |
|
 |
   
|
|
|
